ESPN Baseball Reporter Pedro Gomez Dies Unexpectedly at Age 58

By Matthew Zimmer

I don’t even know how to start this. Pedro Gomez was one of the best in the business. The stories I’ve read in the 15 hours since I learned about his passing just made the news even harder.

I never met the man, but without realizing it I always associated baseball with Pedro Gomez.

Every baseball season I was excited to see reports from him on ESPN. I knew that I’d get a fun story, an anecdote and he would make me a smarter fan and sportscaster.

His passion always came through the screen for me. It was never more evident than this moment with Scott Van Pelt four years ago.

Immediately thought of this. Such crushing news today. https://t.co/lk36V2qbge

— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) February 8, 2021

Gomez provided heart to his reports. He gave legitimacy to everything he reported.

I’ll always remember the watching Gomez on ESPN live spots during the Barry Bonds/BALCO steroids scandal. I feel like that was the first time I really noticed Gomez.

Before ESPN, he worked for wrote for the Miami News, the San Diego Union, the San Jose Mercury News, Miami Herald, the Sacramento Bee and the Arizona Republic.

He provided so much quality information, solid reporting and insight that immediately I respected him. ESPN announced on Super Bowl Sunday that Gomez passed away unexpectedly at 58 years old.

ESPN remembers SportsCenter reporter Pedro Gomez, who passed away unexpectedly today at the age of 58.https://t.co/0Q75PlBEvG pic.twitter.com/4B5r7OG9Ni

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 8, 2021

Because I don’t have any personal stories to really share of Gomez, here are tweets, threads and articles about the man the sports world is mourning on the Monday after the Super Bowl.

I messaged with @pedrogomezESPN about 10 days ago… he asked about family (as he always did), made me laugh (as he always did), and then said he was, “Eagerly awaiting spring training…”

RIP Pedro.

— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) February 8, 2021

Pedro Gomez, who got cheated, via @DefectorMedia: https://t.co/GO2q4nfuwa

— Ray Ratto (@RattoIndy) February 8, 2021

1) For the 2nd time in three weeks, I’m breaking Twitter hiatus to tell a story of a great person we’ve lost. ESPN’s Pedro Gomez: Sept. 18, 1993, I covered high schools for the Oakland Tribune, but the paper gave @JHickey3 a few days off, and sent 24-yo me to cover A’s-CHW.

— Full Dissident (@hbryant42) February 8, 2021

He was always around but one day I convinced him to come into the booth for a spell. I felt like a dork setting up the GoPro but it’s now 40 minutes of cherished footage.
This minute & a half is, to me, exactly who Pedro was. A friend to all and a proud family man. pic.twitter.com/cufYofHCv0

— Melanie Newman (@MelanieLynneN) February 8, 2021

“Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional accomplishments are universally recognized. More importantly, Pedro was a kind, dear friend to us all.”

RIP, Pedro Gomez. https://t.co/kIqqiZ68h1

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) February 8, 2021

Pedro Gomez was an unbelievable person. I’m forever grateful for his friendship.

He was a trailblazing journalist. He opened the door for Latinos in sports tv.

I can’t even explain how sad I am right now. Rest In Peace, Mi Hermano 🇨🇺 🇺🇸 https://t.co/hxMLWotLRP

— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) February 8, 2021

I will miss so much about our dear friend Pedro. Mostly, his kind and gentle nature. He loved so many things, he loved the game. He loved the late-60’s Tigers, passed down from his grandfather. We will miss the chats about those teams. And so much more. RIP, dear friend, Pedro.

— Tim Kurkjian (@Kurkjian_ESPN) February 8, 2021

Devastating. Pedro was the kindest soul. He genuinely lit up a room, a 2 shot, an interview.. he loved baseball and it was clear in how he shared that with us. I have no words.

— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) February 8, 2021

Only one of the best, a man with a big heart, a passion for the game, he ushered me around Havana like a tour guide, a good one gone, he made the switch from laptop-to-TV without breaking stride, a man with a baseball-shaped heart … Deepest sympathies to the family

— bob elliott (@elliottbaseball) February 8, 2021

This is just horrible news. Pedro was incredibly kind and welcoming to me when I first started covering MLB games. I will always remember his kindness and his baseball knowledge. He will be missed terribly. Prayers go out to his family and his ESPN family.

— Steve Gardner (@SteveAGardner) February 8, 2021

Even teams he covered, and some he didn’t, shared their condolences.

Our hearts go out to the Gomez family, including Pedro Gomez’s son, Rio, a pitcher in our minor league system. ❤️ https://t.co/BPqmJb4oB6

— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 8, 2021

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Pedro Gomez. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/j7FqCZWKAp

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 8, 2021

We are saddened by the passing of our friend Pedro Gomez. He was a fixture in the A’s clubhouse, covering the club for the San Jose Mercury News (1990-94) and Sacramento Bee (1995-97). Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. We’ll miss you, Pedro. pic.twitter.com/NLNhUK3WW0

— AthleticsPR (@AthleticsPR) February 8, 2021

The D-backs family is devastated by the loss of our friend Pedro. He earned the respect of everyone in the organization and was a true friend to so many in Arizona. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all whose lives he impacted. pic.twitter.com/dYZqyH0xyg

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 8, 2021

Follow 750 The Game on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.